Weekly worship 6

Melbourne 614

After being in Melbourne Central Division for the last six years we finally had the opportunity to attend a worship service at Melbourne 614. Having heard so much about the programs offered at 69 Bourke Street near the heart of Melbourne, it was good be be able to experience worship with the '614 family'.

While environments vary the one constant thus far has been music. A couple of guitar players and a drummer provided the music, which included Jack Hayford's "Majesty", "How great thou art", "How great is our God", "Someone cares", "Worthy is the Lord" and "Shout to the Lord". Beginning with "Majesty" helped set the tone and my thoughts were directed to "Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings." So often we 'cruise' along with the Jesus who walks with us, our friend and companion, but he is also God incarnate, who died because of our sins yet rose again. Jesus is God. In the presence of 'famous people' we may feel overawed (think of fans swooning over movie stars or pop idols) or a little uneasy given their public profile and notoriety - yet we Jesus (who was God "in the flesh" for granted and think of him as a "mate". Today it was good to be reminded of the greatness of majesty of God - and to take time to worship him as "Jesus who died, now glorifed, King of all kings".

Down-to- earth testimonies were a feature of the meeting, as was the offering up of written prayers (clearly a regular part of worship). People participated freely, and obviously feel 'at home' in that worshiping environment.

The message was about "What makes a great follower?". We were reminded that great leaders make great followers. Great followers are proactive (they consult, take responsibility and initiate) and accountable. Followers do shape the culture of their environment and we were encouraged to be a positive influence in the various environments where we live, study, work or enjoy leisure.

It was good to share with people from a wide range of backgrounds as we worshiped today in what was once the "Australasian headquarters" of The Salvation Army, and is now an oasis of hope in the Melbourne CBD.